Knowledge and attitude of epilepsy among secondary schools students (epileptic and non-epileptic) in Assiut city “Egypt”

Faculty of Medicine

Assiut University

Knowledge and attitude of epilepsy among secondary schools students (epileptic and non-epileptic) in Assiut city “Egypt”

Research Authors
Ghaydaa A.Shehataa, Dalia G.Mahran
Research Department
Department of Neurology and Psychiatry
Research Journal
Epilepsy Research
Research Member
Ghaydaa Ahmed Shehata Abo Zeid
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Volume 95, Issues 1–2
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2011
Research_Pages
130-135
Research Abstract

Summary
The purpose of the research
This study was designed to assess knowledge and attitude with respect to epilepsy among secondary school students (epileptic and none) in Assiut city, Egypt.

Methods
A cross sectional study was applied among secondary school students in Assiut city, Egypt. A 13-item questionnaire was self administered by 2226 students who selected randomly.

The principal results
All students either epileptic or non-epileptic had been heard about epilepsy. Only 7.1% of epileptic students and 8.5% of non-epileptic students thought that the epilepsy is a brain disease. Out of 2198 non-epileptic students, 28.4% thought that person with epilepsy (PWE) should not marry and 92% of them refused to marry from PWE. The correct knowledge of epilepsy was significantly positive correlated with positive attitude towards PWE.

Major conclusions
However, students still feel persons with epilepsy are stigmatized and are different from others. Secondary school students in Egypt have a vague knowledge about the etiology of epilepsy. Misconceptions about and negative attitudes towards epilepsy are unexpectedly high among those students.